Three more cases of swine flu in Ireland

The Department of Health has today confirmed another three cases of Influenza Type A (H1N1), or swine flu, in Ireland.

Two of the patients, an adult male and child are from the western region of the country while the other patient is a female from the eastern region.

All the patients have recently returned from New York and are aware of the confirmed test results.

They are currently being treated at home and all necessary public health protection measures are being taken. These new cases are unconnected with the previous cases confirmed in Ireland.

“As I have being saying since the start, we have expected further cases so this does not come as a surprise,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health.

“Both the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have planned for this eventually and continue preparations in anticipation of further cases.”

The total number of confirmed cases in Ireland is now at seven.